Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+: Ownership intensified

By HONG BOON HOW | 18 April 2019

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s GLC sports utility vehicle line-up is racking up sales numbers since its introduction a few years ago and it would not be too long before an AMG-souped up variant joins the party.

Introduced late last year, the current generation GLC 63 S is proof how a muscular 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine with enhancements on suspension and brakes can turn a standard GLC into a fire-breather.

Of course, such motorsports and smart driving technology upgrades are not cheap, with the final tally for the GLC 63 S at RM915,888.

Exterior

While its based on the regular Mercedes-Benz GLC, the high performance GLC 63 S came with more emotive exterior styling.

The immediate giveaway is the imposing Panamericana grille with 15 horizontal slats which are the preserve of the current Mercedes-AMG GT sports cars.

Next are the lower enlarged front side “jet wing” air intakes and rear diffuser along with oversized 21-inch matte black AMG cross-spoke forged wheels.

In addition, wider wheel arch claddings give a muscular-appearance to scream the part of the king of the hill.

Interior

It’s a black and red theme with Nappa leather and Artico-man-made leather to impart a sporty and upmarket look.

The steering wheel is the AMG motorsports-inspired flat-bottom type, and comes with fine Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre for good grip and tactile feel.

Its carbon-fibre trims on the centre console and instrument panel gauges together with red designo seatbelts further add to the motorsports appearance.

The front AMG performance seats, though not as generously padded as typical Mercedes-Benz comfort seats, come with adjustable side support to grip you in while you undertake sharp high-speed manoeuvres.

Since the GLC 63 S is a two-box vehicle design, front and rear passengers get plenty of head and leg room.

Rear passengers even get their own air-conditioner vents with adjustments for air speed and temperature.

The panoramic sliding sunroof’s large opening lets in plenty of light if you want to brighten up the interior for a breezier feel.

Meanwhile, sound system is the premium Burmester surround-type that has a crisp and clear delivery.

Practicality

Large door pockets allow bottles and other small items to be stored within easy reach.

Bootspace is 550 litres but can be increased to 1,600 litres with rear seats folded down flat.

Rear seats come with 40:20:40 split and can be configurated to provide best comfort for those sitting when long items in the boot intrude into passenger space.

Rear doors also come with sunblinds to block out the sun or provide some privacy.

Powered tailgate is handy so there is no need for pulling or lifting the large back door.

The surround view camera system which gives a overhead view of the GLC 63 S is extremely useful when driving into tight parking bays.

Its AMG Dynamic Select of Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Race tweaks the settings of the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, electronic stability programme, exhaust and all-wheel drive system according to the chosen drive mode.

The AMG performance exhaust system using flap technology, if fully deployed, creates a track car-like burble that announces your arrival.

Steering is pin sharp as well as being very responsive and natural to your steering inputs.

Meanwhile, the 4MATIC+ drive system ensures a grippy hold even during fast driving on wet roads.

Fuel consumption

Mercedes-AMG claims the GLC 63 S can return a combined fuel consumption of 11.9 litres per 100km but our best efforts with gentle and light-footed driving were still off the mark.

With the GLC 63 S possessing sports car-like performance, the primal urge to drive fast is difficult to keep in check.

Well-heeled owners can easily afford the hefty fuel bill but have to make frequent trips to the petrol stations if they are heavy-footed drivers.

Warranty

Warranty is four years with unlimited mileage, whichever comes first.

Summary

Approaching a RM1mil, the GLC 63 S will likely find its way to a small group of wealthy hardcore AMG rather than Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.

Though the GLC 63 S has the performance of a two-seater sports car, it can still carry five persons in luxury and be a daily drive.